beach cafe

thisplacewas a really nice discovery a few weeks ago. modern, lots of different seating spaces, both indoor and outdoor, and a varied menu. i had the vegetarian breakfast and was treated to a huge portion (enough for two). the poached eggs were cooked perfectly and were served along two generous slabs of whole grain toast, spinach, tomato, hash browns and two falafel patties. yum. on the plus side for me, is this cafe has a nicely varied selection of loose teas. the staff was attentive and friendly. reservations are suggested if you're trying to get a table on the weekend, as it's a busy cafe. if there is any negative for me, it's that the prices are a bit on the high end of my price when it comes to casually eating out. more like an occasional treat.

we were looking for somewhere to eat where we could take our puppy who was with us. thisplacepopped up beach cafe! dog friendly cafe!
lets give it a go!!
and all i have to say is amazing!!
the staff were absolutely lovely, took our orders straight away, knowing we were in a rush (sadly). we ordered the chicken burger and chips, chicken and avo sandwich and chips. both bloody good!! loved the atmosphere, the music and staff were all really welcoming. this will now be our new local. thanks ladies!
will definitely be back with our puppy in tow!

after yet another change in ownership things started to look up for this well situated cafe, the first time (after the most recent change in ownership) the service was pleasant and the food was reasonable however the following two visits were terrible - the most recent occasion being right after christmas 2017.  while i don't usually like to comment on personal appearance in this case i do have to point out that the waiter who we first encountered was dripping sweat (wasn't a particularly hot day) and looked very disheveled.  when serving food reasonable hygiene is to be expected.  after ordering from the grumpy girl behind the counter we took a seat and proceeded to wait for 45 minutes in the hopes that at least our coffee would materialise let alone our food.  i would like to point out that it was not all that busy on this day.  at this point we decided to abandon ship and walk out which is something i would never usually do as it's a total waste of our money but in this case i did not think it was worth it.  it's such a shame that thisplacehas never taken off as it is in a prime location with little else in the area.  hopefully one day the right people will come along and really make something out of it!!  but in the mean time please don't waste your hard earned dollars here!

i would give thisplacea zero (0) but it wasn't an option. absolutely no idea about customer service, coffee luke warm and weak and the food was a disaster. i ended up with some slice that was described as a gratin, to find it smelled and looked like it had been reheated numerous times, and it actually tasted awful, i asked if there was a side salad and got some limp greens that actually had dirt on them, a piece of tomato that wasn't fresh, looked like it had been taken off something else, some big chunks of cucumber and a handful of alfalfa (who actually eats it?) and not a drop of dressing. i didn't eat it, which seemed to go completely unnoticed by the staff. absolutely worst culinary experience i can ever remember. if these are new owners it ain't gonna last long

very good service. very happy. staff are friendly too. the coffee is way better than before. the food is improving but all depends who is on. food only needs to be more consistent and it would be theplaceto go. can't believe how busy they are with coffee. that guy who made mine on saturday made the best flat white i have ever had from there... keep it up. 😊

oh dear what a chaotic shambles on a saturday morning the beach cafe was. the 2 rating was purely for the food produced by the looks of it by a very small kitchen team lead by a young very competent woman. an amazing effort under the conditions as the breakfasts were in fact good delicious hashbrowns. it was the front of house farce that made this a negative experience, i don't like to be personal but be because the operator like to promote himself so openly i will call him out, he was absolutely hopeless throwing a tantrum at the coffee machine announcing a 40 minute wait on coffees, people just giving up and walking out, no heating turned on in the veranda area with staff and customers desperately trying to turn them on in the freezing cold. plenty of staff on but no leadership theplacewas heaving and you should be making hay while sun shines not making people regret ever going there. for godsake get some business mentoring in hospitality before its to late.

whileplaceaverage.. poor service part of meal mot delivered until we had eaten and the bruschetta was an under roasted baguette totally lacking in flavour .not restaurant good at all .rating 1 outof 5

it was a sunny monday and over the years we had been many times before, the food was always good not cheap but worth it for the experience, and even for a summer weekday theplacewas usually pumping.  alas that has all changed.  the food is not as good as you could make at home, the salad would be more inspiring if you simply opened a bag from the supermarket.  i had to enquire, was it under new management.  yes, and we had been served by the owner himself.  i believe the menu has changed twice in 6 months, there is no sign of the previous chef in the kitchen.  the prices have risen if anything but the portions and quality have been reduced.  this was such a favouriteplacefor many people from christchurch, it is such a pity that the new management could not build on that because the venue is still perfect but one would enjoy a picnic in the park opposite more and still be close to the sea.

it's been a while since my last visit and thisplaceis just not what it used to be. i used to love coming here as food was so good. this time it's a different vibe, arrogant staff and ordinary food. eggs bene used to be served with delicious hash browns, not any more. food looked more like a pub grub. eggs were overcooked. not sure if i want to go back. shame as used to be my favplaceon sundays.

okplacethe food was good prices was $$$$

thisplacenever disappoints, had breakfast here heaps food always fresh service always great.

i am very impressed by this place. slick and modern but also inviting and accommodating. lovely outdoor area, great kids set up, excellent coffee, very good cafe food and fantastic service. if you want somewhere to take the family for a casual brunch thisplaceis perfect!
ps i wasn't paid for this review!